Chantal’s greatest passion is to bring healing and foster resilience to people who have been through a traumatic or stressful experience. Chantal is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologist and has over 20 years of experience, working directly with adults from various cultures, building empathy and providing non-judgmental support to help people experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety and grief. Within her counselling, Chantal uses her skills to help individuals to find the solutions that work for them depending on their situation. Since no single therapeutic approach is suited to everyone or ever situation, Chantal uses her training in various modalities such as EMDR, Solution Focused, Clinical Hypnosis and Mindfulness. She works collaboratively to determine the best approach that suites the person’s needs. Currently she sees individuals 18 years to 80 years old.

Chantal’s greatest passion is to bring healing and foster resilience to people who have been thro... Read More

jenne@blackbirdhealingarts.ca. Jenne Newman is the Co-founder of Blackbird Healing Arts Collective. She is a Registered Clinical Art Therapist who works with children, adolescents, young adults and families. Jenne is a Certified Canadian Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, a Registered Art Therapist with the Canadian Art Therapy Association and is a member of the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta.

Over the past 20 years, Jenne’s passion for using art to make meaning from our personal journeys has led to artful workshops, art therapy groups and individual counseling experiences for all ages. Jenne’s dynamic approach: fosters empowerment; encourages clients to take an active role in their treatment; and instills hope throughout the healing process. Beyond work you can find Jenne recharging in nature and searching for wonder with her family.

jenne@blackbirdhealingarts.ca. Jenne Newman is the Co-founder of Blackbird Healing Arts Collectiv... Read More

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Rachela Buonincontri has a Master’s Degree in Counseling and an Advanced Diploma in Art Therapy from the Campus Alberta Applied Psychology Program and Advanced Diploma from the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. Rachela has also completed the Certificate Training Level One in Expressive Arts from the Prairie Institute of Expressive Arts Therapy. She works in private practice and is the Co-founder of Blackbird Healing Arts Collective. Currently Rachela is happy to be working in the community of Calgary and Airdrie as a Registered Clinical Art Therapist and Certified Canadian Counsellor, a member of the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta and as an instructor at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute.

Rachela Buonincontri has a Master’s Degree in Counseling and an Advanced Diploma in Art Therapy f... Read More

Alice holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Calgary, and completed her Psychology residency in Winnipeg in 2007.

As a registered Psychologist, she has provided assessments of children with complex medical issues and has provided therapy through several clinics at Alberta Children’s Hospital, helping families and children navigate challenges such as premature birth, diabetes, sleep disorders, kidney disease, or organ transplants. Many children who she has had the honor to work with struggle with emotional dysregulation, including that based in trauma. Alice believes that with compassionate mental health guidance, science-informed practice, and a strong community of support - families can not just survive but thrive.

Alice believes in the healing value of human connection and the importance of a secure attachment. Humans are wired for connection, and it is through relationship that we can heal, learn, and grow. In addition to ongoing work at Alberta Children’s Hospital, Alice’s role as consultant at Blackbird Healing Arts Collective includes providing clinical case supervision and Psychology services that complement or support work with our art therapists.

Alice is a passionate advocate for high-quality mental health care that is equitable and accessible to all.

Alice holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Calgary, and completed her Psycho... Read More

Andrea Hunt holds a Masters of Counseling degree from the University of Calgary. She is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists, and a Canadian Certified Counselor with the Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association. She has specialized training in expressive arts (Level II) through the Prairie Institute of Expressive Arts, and certificates in DBT, narrative approaches to counseling, and trauma work. Andrea brings a holistic approach that incorporates mindfulness, expressive arts, nature, and narrative methodology; she meshes science, philosophy, art, and spirituality into an approach that helps clients find new opportunities for healing, growth and meaningful change that fit their unique circumstances. Andrea’s counseling sessions have been described as warm, joyful, gentle, and wise. Andrea works with individuals of all ages who are experiencing life transitions, interpersonal challenges, trauma, low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, or burnout.

Andrea Hunt holds a Masters of Counseling degree from the University of Calgary. She is a Regist... Read More

Annie Ahmad holds a Master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapies from Concordia University. She is a Registered Member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association and a Professional Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Annie has over 13 years of experience working as an Art Therapist with a variety of populations in diverse community settings. Annie lives in Calgary and works in private practice with the Blackbird Healing Arts Collective and facilitates art therapy groups with the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support and Wellspring Cancer Support. Annie’s approach to art therapy is deeply rooted in a person-centered, strengths-based framework that is grounded in cultural sensitivity, connection and inclusivity.

Annie Ahmad holds a Master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapies from Concordia University. She is ... Read More

Leslie Ortlieb is a devoted and empathetic expressive arts counsellor with a strong commitment to enhancing mental and emotional well-being, addressing interpersonal relationship issues, managing stress, navigating life transitions, or overcoming addiction. She approaches her work with curiosity, non-judgment, and unconditional positive regard, which helps build a strong therapeutic relationship. By incorporating cultural sensitivity and a caring ethic, she creates a safe and trusting environment conducive to growth and healing.

Leslie holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Athabasca University and has earned certification through the Prairie Institute of Expressive Arts Therapy for Expressive Arts Training Level 1 and Level 2 Consultant/Educator Specialization. She is a Certified Canadian Counselor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and a Professional Member with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association. She is currently completing the registration requirements to become a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist with IEATA. Leslie has over 10 years of experience supporting young people, adults, and families in a variety of roles. She lives in Lethbridge and works in private practice with Blackbird Healing Arts Collective offering virtual expressive art sessions.

Leslie Ortlieb is a devoted and empathetic expressive arts counsellor with a strong commitment t... Read More